006/96

This issue has been discussed widely at length with B.A.N.Z. members through the year at various meetings and events with what has been, at times, rather spirited debate on the subject. However, even from the submissions B.A.N.Z. received on the issue, the consensus of common-sense prevailed whereby B.A.N.Z. believed this important consideration is best served by an education process rather than a legislative one amongst its members. Indeed there is currently no provision within the rules of B.A.N.Z. to form such policy or rule-making pertaining to the specific conditions of flight or operation of balloons. The constitution of B.A.N.Z. is rather a more open statement of general objectivity.

Furthermore it is not compulsory for all balloon pilots/operators to be members of B.A.N.Z., therefore B.A.N.Z. has no clear mandate to direct compliance to such balloonists who are not B.A.N.Z. members although having said that I expect such compliance could be facilitated by Reg. 19B 3 .

However as a responsible organisation with the objective of encouraging and promoting hot air ballooning in New Zealand B.A.N.Z. is at liberty to endorse your commissions findings in general. This can, at best, be achieved by stating recommendations, based on common sense, to all its members and clubs etc. by way of B.A.N.Z. newsletters and meetings rather than by the process of formal rule making per se(. I believe it is not the intent of the B.A.N.Z. constitution to be making its first of what would be many to follow formal rules of this nature. This procedure is best addressed by existing civil aviation legislation whom I expect would be open to B.A.N.Z. submissions and inputs.

Therefore informing you of B.A.N.Z.'s position in not currently proceeding with the formal making of rules (for Safety Recommendation No. 006/96) I expect final consideration of this position to be discussed and decided upon at the next B.A.N.Z. annual general meeting.